The Opioid Epidemic in the United States and Maryland

The United States has a growing problem with opioid addiction and abuse. According to a 2014 Express Scripts report, “America claims less than 5% of the world’s population, yet it consumes roughly 80% of the world’s opioid supply.” (source: A Nation in Pain, Express Scripts Lab, December 2014). It is an epidemic that is costing millions of Americans their health, happiness, and lives. Maryland, with more than 2,000 overdose deaths in 2016, is at the center. In fact, Baltimore, Maryland’s largest city, sees ER visits for opioid-related overdoses at almost nine times the national average of other large American cities.

Many of those affected want to get clean and break the hold that opioids have on them. But simply providing treatment for an overdose or acute withdrawal, then discharging the patient back to the streets, does nothing to get to the root of the problem and treat the patient’s disease. More and more, physicians and acute treatment centers are realizing that those diagnosed with opioid dependence disorder need specialized care.

MATClinics have the doctors, the professional staff, experience, and expertise to help people overcome these potentially deadly addictions.